The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
England are playing to win, says Southgate
Three Lions manager not thinking far ahead and wants to continue momentum
England boss Gareth Southgate insists Germany’s shock World Cup exit underlines why he will not be attempting to plot an easier route against Belgium today.
The anticipation for the Kaliningrad clash has tapered off somewhat after the Three Lions’ 6-1 win over Panama on Sunday ensured their progress to the last 16, alongside the Red Devils, with a game to spare.
The managers will make changes for the Group G encounter in a bid to keep key men fresh, despite the fact England and Belgium are currently level in terms of points, goal difference and goals scored.
Roberto Martinez’s side reportedly favour finishing runners-up given the seemingly preferable route to the final, but there is no such talk from Southgate.
“We think that we need to keep winning football matches,” he said when asked about his approach, two years to the day since the humiliating Euro 2016 exit to Iceland.
“We want to breed a mentality that everybody in our squad wants to constantly win.
“We’ve not won a knockout game since 2006. Why we are starting to plot which would be a better venue for our semi-final is beyond me, really.
“We have no idea who, when or where we will play in the next round, but we’re pleased that we’re in the next round.
“But, first and foremost, I think it’s really important that we’re building a team that I think everybody at home can see are passionate to play for England, want to win every time they go out, and are improving all the time.
“I think we’ll see that again tomorrow and I am really looking forward to seeing us play again.”
Watching their side again is not something Germany fans will be able to do this summer after the reigning champions were dumped out by South Korea.
“Of course I’m surprised,” Southgate said moments after their exit was confirmed.
“I was here last summer for the Confederations Cup and they brought a young team, they also won the under-21 finals.
“But in this tournament I think they’ve been ahead for about a minute and a half of their three matches.
“It’s been unusual to see them struggle as much as they have, but the level of all the teams is strong.”
Progress is not an issue for England but Southgate kept his cards close to his chest in terms of selection, confirming Eric Dier’s starting role amid questions over Harry Kane’s participation.
“This is a great chance for the guys to get match minutes, match sharpness against good quality opposition,” the Three Lions manager said.